Jewels Galore
Oct. 4: Gem Hunts Who says rocks are boring? Maybe plain gray ones are, but not multi-colored gemstones. Learn all about where jewels and crystals come from — like how they are formed deep within the earth’s core and then make their way to the surface. At the end of the day, take home a geode — a hollow rock with crystal-like substances inside it that was formed from volcanic and sedimentary rocks. 11 a.m. for ages 5-7; 2 p.m. for ages 8 and up. $12. Greenburgh Nature Center. 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale, 914-723-3470; www.greenburghnaturecenter.org
The Pirate’s Life
Oct. 25: Grace the Pirate In the 1500s, feisty Irishwoman Grace O’Malley took to the high seas and set off on wild escapades. This performance — put on by Kit’s Interactive Theater — follows her on her adventures. The fiery Grace challenges the dreaded Blackbeard, breaks into Irish jigs, tells folk tales — and even pulls some brave audience members onto her ship. 11 a.m. $9, $7 children. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck, 845-876-3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org
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Wondrous!
Thru the year: WonderDome The latest addition to the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum focuses on brilliant lights and color. When kids enter the WonderDome, they can wander through nine interactive exhibits, each of which helps them develop a different skill. The Reactor Cube hones hand-eye coordination by having little tykes make art from acrylic rods; a robotic arm is used to collect glowing objects in the Glo-Bot space. Call or visit Web site for hours. $8, children under 1 free. 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie, 845-471-0589; www.mhcm.org
Light it Up!
Oct. 12: Family Bonfire Night Spend an evening under the stars with some tasty marshmallows. Toast the delightfully sweet (and probably sticky) treats over the warm bonfire — which is lit on Boscobel’s picturesque lawn overlooking the Hudson and West Point — and listen to live entertainment. Other fun goodies, like bratwurst, burgers, and glow sticks, are available for purchase. 6 p.m. $12, children under 10 free. Boscobel House and Gardens. 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison, 845-265-3638; www.boscobel.org
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Creepy, Crawly, Caterpillars
Oct. 4: Woolly Bear Caterpillars You know you’ve seen these bugs: chunky, furry caterpillars that are black on either end and red in the middle. Take a close-up look at them indoors and absorb fun facts about them — like their ability to survive being frozen — before releasing them out into the wild. Afterwards, make your very own woolly bear craft to take home. 10 a.m. $7, $5 children. Wildlife Education Center, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson, 845-534-5506; www.hhnaturemuseum.org
